VESTAL, NY (WSKG) - There is a new headlining artist for Colorscape, a free arts festival in Chenango County.
The festival’s board booked Rory Block after deciding to cancel the original headliner, Peter Yarrow, from the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary.
Melissa deCordova, Colorscape Board President, said that some people threatened to protest if Yarrow performed at the festival.
In 1970, Yarrow served three months in prison after making sexual advances on a teenage fan who came to his hotel room for an autograph. He later received a pardon from President Jimmy Carter.
DeCordova said that the board chose to cancel Yarrow after learning about his conviction from fans on Colorscape’s Facebook page.
“This is a family-friendly festival in a public park,” deCordova said. “It is not a place for any sort of disruption, which people were threatening to do.”
The new headliner, Rory Block, is a country blues guitarist and singer. She will perform on Colorscape’s main stage on September 8th.